Category Archives: Highlight

StoryToys launches LEGO DUPLO MARVEL mobile app

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StoryToys (a subsidiary of Team17 Group plc), the LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment have announced the launch of LEGO DUPLO MARVEL, a mobile app for preschoolers. With over one million pre-orders globally, the app is now available from the App Store and Google Play.

In LEGO DUPLO MARVEL even the youngest Marvel fan can engage with their favorite Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Captain America, Ghost-Spider and more. In each activity children help their favorite Super Hero save the day, whether shooting webs with Spider-Man or rescuing a cat with Captain America. They can also create and build structures with virtual 3D LEGO DUPLO bricks.

The app has been carefully aligned with the Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it meets the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. Each play pack features fun challenges to support learning and development skills, including early math, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app is now available worldwide in twenty-six languages, with more to come in 2022. It’s free to download with additional content available to purchase.

“As a lifetime fan of both Marvel and LEGO bricks, this project is one that’s very close to my heart,” says Emmet O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys.

“We’re delighted to once again be collaborating with our amazing partners at the LEGO Group, and to be working with Marvel for the first time on such a special project. Preschoolers adore and aspire to be Marvel heroes and this app will offer them a positive digital experience tailored to their abilities. Whether kids are LEGO DUPLO fans, Marvel fans, or both, it’s our absolute privilege to bring them the opportunity to engage with their favourite heroes in this fun and educational digital experience.”

 

 

Genius Brands to launch Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse following acquisition of Ameba TV

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Genius Brands International has announced that it will be launching its subscription-based Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse on April 15, 2022, at $3.99/month.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will be anchored by technology from the acquisition of Ameba TV, a rapidly growing children’s video streaming service.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will include all the popular programmes of Kartoon Channel!, while adding exclusive metaversal content, which will be launched in a phased rollout.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will feature a fully integrated design, including custom avatars and emojis for kids, exclusive games, branded Kidaverse VR goggles, immersive content and NFTs for kids (“KFT”s).

The new platform will also feature collectable digital cards based on many of the channel’s popular characters, including those from the upcoming Stan Lee Universe, debuting in Q4 2022, and a digital currency for kids called Kidaverse MetaBuck$. Additionally, the Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is planning to introduce child-safe messaging (“Messies”), podcasts, music, and more.

“Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is expected to revolutionise children’s entertainment, because it will include all of the popular animated programmes of a children’s channel, metaverse features and, most importantly, it will be fully curated and child safe,” says Genius Brands Chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward.

“The single strongest message we receive from parents is the concern about safety for children on screens, whether it is programme content or roaming around the internet and various apps. The premise of the Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is to provide children with fun, positive, engaging digital media AND to provide them with a safe and parent-controlled product.”

In addition to the hit shows of Kartoon Channel! today, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rainbow Rangers, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Minecraft, Surviving Roblox, My Little Pony, and Yu Gi Oh, Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will add another 13,000 episodes under license to Ameba, including hit brands such as Casper The Friendly Ghost, Donkey Kong Country, Gummy Bears, and Rescue Heroes.

The platform will also become the home to the several thousand hours of animated content available through its recent acquisition of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media and strategic investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The Company believes this will make it the largest single children’s portal of animation in the world, with over 20,000 animated titles under license.

“As Kartoon Channel! has grown, many of our viewers have asked for a commercial-free version of the experience,” says Jon Ollwerther, Kartoon Channel! President. “While our free, ad-supported platform will still be available to consumers, the subscription-based Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will address that market need, while also building the 360-degree kid’s digital media platform of the future. We believe it will be a unique entertainment experience that simply cannot be had anywhere else.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adidas unites with Peloton for apparel capsule celebrating the digital fitness community

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Adidas has unveiled its latest apparel capsule with ongoing international partner Peloton, designed to celebrate the global fitness community.

The collection has been made in part with recycled materials and is crafted with signature adidas performance technology that supports workouts across fitness disciplines, from cycling, to running, strength, yoga and more.

In a nod to the digital connection found through the Peloton fitness platform, the performance pieces take cues from Peloton graphics and icons, including dot textures with arrows evoking movement and progress.

Alongside the performance garments, the drop offers lifestyle apparel for pre- and post-workout activities, crafted with comfort in mind.

The activewear is available in inclusive sizing as well as offering a range of men’s, women’s, and all-gender pieces.

“As home fitness continues to grow, the importance of connectivity to a fitness coach and a fitness community is a must,” says Aimee Arana, General Manager, Global Training at adidas. “This was the inspiration for this new adidas x Peloton collection – featuring digitised graphics that celebrate the digital connection between the community and their favourite Peloton instructors. And just because the athletes are working out at home, the capsule still needs to deliver on style and making them look and feel great.

“With the key performance pieces, we have integrated signature adidas technology such as Heat.rdy, which keeps the athlete feeling cool and helps them stay in their zone on the bike or on the mat, so they can finish their workout strong.”

The adidas x Peloton capsule includes tanks, tights, shorts, tees, crewnecks, sports bras, jackets and joggers, available from US$35-$90. The collection can be shopped at adidas.com, apparel.onepeloton.com and select adidas stores throughout the US, Canada, the UK and Germany.

BREAKING NEWS: Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter Conference postponed to 24 February

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the first Brands & Retail UK conference (sponsored by Fabacus), has confirmed there is a revised date for the event. The conference will now take place on 24 February 2022 (9am till 6pm) at the British Library (venue unchanged).

The event party will also be taking place on the evening of 24 Feb 2022 at the Ivy Club from 6pm onwards and tickets are now open to the wider licensing industry priced at £75 each.

“I know this has been a very difficult time for companies and their staff so the brands and myself agreed the event should move to late February, which has been a popular decision,” says Ryan.

“All the brands taking part have supported the change of date and I am delighted to confirm the lineup for the conference has not changed. I am also very pleased Warner Bros will now be taking the final slot and closing the event for us.”

The Retail Buyers panel is also unchanged with Ruth Golighlty (ASDA George), Karen Hewitt (character.com) and David Lucas (Studio Retail) answering the audiences’ questions.

Stephen Phipson, CBE CEO of MAKEUK.org, will also deliver the keynote for the new date as well.

“Visitors’ safety was always on my mind and I think we will be in a better position later in February,” concludes Ryan. “I look forward to seeing everyone on the 24th Feb – fit and healthy”.

The event is free for Licensees and Retail Buyers – visit www.BrandsRetail.eventbrite.co.uk

Consultants and service providers are welcome to book a ticket to the networking party at the Ivy Club and watch the Retail Panel and keynote from 4pm. There will be a coach taking attendees to the Ivy club at 6pm.

Ryan can be contacted at by email at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk

ARTiSTORY launches artist collaborations programme

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Art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY has taken the next step in its licensing model by launching its artist collaborations programme.

The partnerships with living artists will see three-way co-branding between brands, artists and museums and gives established and emerging artists the chance to draw inspiration from the rich cultural and artistic treasures of the archives of ARTiSTORY’s museum partners, and create fresh, contemporary artwork in their own unique personal style.

By bringing together cultural IP, international artists and global brands, ARTiSTORY will further expand museums’ licensing programmes and service the rapid increase in demand for art and cultural IP through its “Artefacts to Merchandise” and digital storytelling model.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” says Alicia Chen, Country Manager of ARTiSTORY’s Singapore Office, who is managing the artists programme. “Artists get the opportunity to be associated with the world’s top museums, brands can provide consumers with access to their favourite artists via uniquely designed products endorsed by museums, and museums can engage new audiences, particularly a younger demographic who follow and support their favourite designers on social media.”

Two famous international artists, Ukrainian artist Sveta Dorosheva and British artist Laura Greenan, are working on new artwork inspired by ARTiSTORY’s museum partner Dunhuang. Dunhuang was an essential meeting point on the Silk Road for travellers passing between East and West one thousand years ago and this gathering of diverse people and cultures led to the creation of great legacies such as the world-famous stucco sculptures and the murals of Mogao Caves, which are now providing rich inspiration for artists to continue the cultural creativity of Dunhuang for a new era.

Originally from Ukraine and currently based in Israel, Sveta’s narrative art and detailed illustration reveals her fascination with myth and fairytales. Sveta has published best-selling books and has been shortlisted twice for the World Illustration Awards. For ARTiSTORY’s artist programme, Sveta is creating canopies, murals and flying images of Dunhuang, taking inspiration from the murals of the Mogao Caves.

Laura Greenan’s style has been described as “Jelly Candy Pop Art”. Her vibrant, joyful illustrations include elements of psychedelia, Art Deco and fantasy, and she takes influences from the 1960s as well as current popular culture including computer games and films. Laura has previously worked with Vogue Japan, Francis Wren Candle and The Wall Street Journal. She is currently working on creations inspired by Dunhuang’s architecture, canopies and Mojing patterns which will be licensed by ARTiSTORY for co-branded products.

Q&A: Natasha Dyson, co-founder of ARTiSTORY

Mighty Jaxx appoints Alex Neal to spearhead European expansion

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Mighty Jaxx, the Singapore-based designer and manufacturer of tech-enabled collectibles and lifestyle products, has announced the appointment of Alex Neal as its Managing Director (Europe) to expand its licensing and retail business across the UK and continental Europe.

Based in London, Alex is an industry executive who brings a wealth of operational experience to Mighty Jaxx, of which the last 15 years was spent at licensed collectible company Eaglemoss, where he served as Managing Director and oversaw the company’s global performance of e-commerce and retail business channels — incorporating end-to-end business functions and overseeing a team of 70 across five countries with a £50m turnover.

Alex will be responsible for the strategy and growth of Mighty Jaxx across the UK and continental Europe, together with a team that he will build and lead. As part of his remit, Alex will spearhead Mighty Jaxx’s on/offline retail strategy while also actively overseeing the prospecting and pitching process as he works to secure new licenses and collaboration opportunities and strengthen the Company’s brand development in the region.

This latest geographical expansion is part of a long-term growth strategy that has already seen China, North America and Southeast Asia form the largest contributors to Mighty Jaxx’s yearly revenue.

Jackson Aw, Founder and CEO, Mighty Jaxx, says: “Europe has been a growing priority for us and 2022 will be a great year for us to finally set up shop and tap into the strong, growing demand for our ‘phygital’ collectibles that we have witnessed over the past 18 months.

“Expansion into Europe has been some time in the works but we believe our patience will reap rewards. Alex is a highly experienced veteran of the collectibles and consumer products industry and comes with a proven track record in building and scaling iconic brands. His passion and knowledge of the industry and more importantly, the region, will enable him to positively impact our business from day one.”

“When we first spoke, Jackson and I clicked immediately,” says Alex, “and when I heard about the plans Mighty Jaxx had for the future, I was immediately sold and knew I wanted to be a part of this project and deliver Mighty Jaxx’s new, innovative phygital experiences to collectors across Europe. I truly believe there’s huge untapped potential and I look forward to helping the Company achieve its goals whilst growing the brand in Europe.”

To further contribute to its global licensing portfolio that already includes the likes of Formula 1, Hasbro, Toei Animation, Warner Brothers, among others, Mighty Jaxx is looking to collaborate with brands / properties in technology, entertainment, music, art, fashion, and streetwear, putting the Company in prime position to continue creating innovative and fully immersive products across different subcultures.

 

The Insights Family expands into new markets

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The Insights Family, the kids and family market intelligence specialist, has launched its service into four new international markets. As of 1 January 2022, the company started interviewing kids (3-18s) and parents in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina and South Africa. This will see the business expand its operations to provide its clients with real-time data from 22 territories across six continents.

The new markets will follow the same award-winning methodology as the existing markets and will see the business survey 400 different children and 200 different parents every week (21,000 and 10,500 respectively a year).

With the addition of four new territories, The Insights Family will now interview a new family member somewhere in the world every 55 seconds. The launches of the new markets mean that the company now covers all the countries in the G20, providing brands and companies with access to ethical real-time data.

Nick Richardson, CEO and Founder of The Insights Family, said: “2021 was a transformational year for the business, with us enjoying significant growth and development across the business. The expansion into these markets, based on client demand, demonstrates our position as the global leader in kids’, parents’ and family market intelligence”

The announcement comes on the back of a successful couple of years for The Insights Family, which has seen its team grow from 13 employees in January 2020 to 67 by the end of January 2022. The company works with 100 clients across the globe and provides insights to leading companies including the BBC, Amazon and Disney.

Last month, The Insights Family published its Future Forecast 2022 Report which predicts some of the key trends to watch out for in the forthcoming year. Providing unrivalled knowledge, the report explores 10 themes which will impact advertising, content, licencing, marketing, product and retail strategies for brand owners across all levels of business strategy. To download the full Family Future Forecast 2022 report for free, visit: get.theinsightsfamily.com/futureforecast

 

 

Chefclub announces ‘Chefclub Friends’ animation series

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Chefclub, the world’s leading ‘eatertainment’ digital brand, has announced its expansion into the world of animation with Chefclub Friends (52 x 11, TBC), an edutainment series for 5 to 7 year olds starring the animated mascots from Chefclub’s dedicated kids’ network, Chefclub Kids.

Chefclub Friends is an action-comedy edutainment series that sets out to build on Chefclub’s guiding principle – having fun in the kitchen – and follows intrepid kitchen enthusiasts Maurice, Lola, Carlton, Colette, Elvis, and the Kikitos as they set out to discover the world.

Chefclub is currently the number-one cooking brand in the world on social media. Since launching in 2016 it has amassed 100 million followers and 2.5 billion global views a month; five themed channels (Original, Kids, Light & Fun, Daily and Cocktails); licensing agents in the UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, China, and Benelux; a D2C and D2R consumer product business; a publishing division with 700,000 books sold to date; and two Licensing International Awards for Best Digital Brand in France (2019) and Germany (2021).

Marie-Laure Marchand, SVP Global Consumer Products & Business Development, Chefclub, commented: “The Chefclub Kids’ channel was created to inspire children to cook, become independent and enjoy themselves with their family in the kitchen. Now, with Chefclub Friends, our young viewers can take their culinary adventures all over the world, following their favourite characters to discover new recipes and cultures. An animated series is a natural brand extension for us given the fantastic enthusiasm we see from little chefs every day, as they learn that cooking is one of the healthiest, most sociable and fun ways to play!”

The series is currently being developed by Chefclub’s Paris-based team, in consultancy with Development Executive Maia Tubiana and industry veteran Marie-Laure Marchand. Marchand will present the bible, synopses and script at Kidscreen and Mip TV.

For more info see www.chefclub.tv

Digital food brand Chefclub signs Fashion UK for family apparel range across Europe

 

 

The Memento Group launches UFC Collectibles memorabilia platform

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The Memento Group has launched its new memorabilia platform, dedicated to official licensed UFC memorabilia. The new online ecommerce platform, UFC Collectibles, features an extensive and exclusive collection of authentic UFC memorabilia. Under the terms of the agreement brokered by IMG, TMG has become UFC’s global distributor of official licensed UFC memorabilia.

Last year, the Memento Group announced a multi-year partnership deal with UFC – the world’s leading mixed martial arts organisation – which allows it to host a new website in collaboration with the popular combat sport. TMG will offer fans access to exclusive, limited-edition and rare pieces of UFC event memorabilia, from fight-worn gloves and fight kits, to fight night posters and photographs signed by their favourite UFC athletes.

Items will each feature an authentic hologram that can be registered digitally and which will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. All products will be delivered to customers in premium packaging for the ultimate experience.

UFC has more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organisation produces more than 40 live events annually, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries.

Philip Danglidis, Commercial Director of The Memento Group, commented: “We’re excited to finally reveal UFC Collectibles, our new venture in partnership with UFC. Our new platform will present unrivalled memorabilia to fans of UFC all over the world, delivering the action of the Octagon directly into their hands.

“With this new memorabilia experience, we hope to give fans the chance to own their favourite moments, bringing them closer to UFC than ever before.”

UFC Collectibles is now live with plans for more products to land on the site throughout 2022 and beyond.

Toy Fair New York cancelled

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The Toy Association, producer of Toy Fair New York, has announced the cancellation of Toy Fair New York, originally set to take place, February 19 to 22, 2022 at the Javits Center in New York City.

“Key to our efforts these past two weeks has been the balance of some 700 remaining committed toy manufacturers saying they need and want Toy Fair 2022 to build their businesses, weighing that against those departing and seriously on the fence, and needing to provide a sufficient quantity and quality across the retail buying community necessary to deliver a positive experience,” said Steve Pasierb, President & CEO of The Toy Association. “As that balance has shifted, we are obligated to make the best decision in everyone’s interest no matter how heartbreaking for so many and potentially damaging some business’ future prospects. The wide range of other events that occur across New York City during Toy Fair week are now also impacted.”

Toy Fair New York has a 117-year unparalleled track record of success. It remains The Toy Association’s responsibility to protect business rights, promote toy companies, advocate for members, and help members sell more product – which includes delivering a worthwhile investment in a quality, essential trade event.

“Certainly, there are legitimate concerns around the pandemic that has guided thinking,” added Pasierb. “Many are saying they are very comfortable with being at the Javits Center and at the show given strict health and safety protocols in place, while travel concerns and for some, staff absences due to illness at home, rightfully weigh on their minds.”

With about 700 toy manufacturers who remained committed to exhibiting at Toy Fair, “constant, unfounded rumors” on social media and elsewhere defied The Toy Association’s best efforts to sustain the show amid global uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

Pasierb concluded: “Delivering a best-in-class next Toy Fair for all the varied audiences it serves so well is now our focus. We will be working with all exhibitors on next steps to unwind February 2022 and build a solid base for visitors from across the world to again experience Toy Fair.”